Hypochondrium

Hypochondrium
Thorax and abdomen. This image shows an older definition of hypochondrium, where it is the abdominal region posterior (beneath) the lowest ribs of the thorax.
Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for liver, stomach, and great intestine.
Latin	regio hypochondriaca
Gray's	subject #246 1149

The hypochondrium is the upper part of the abdomen dorsal to the lowest ribs of the thorax. The word derives from the Greek term ὑποχονδρος hupochondros, meaning abdomen, or literally under cartilage.

The liver is found in the right hypochondrium.

Controversies

Some sources have disputed usage of the term to the parts of the anterior abdominal wall below the costal margins. The region named the right hypochondrium exists anatomically, but is almost totally under the chest wall. In clinical situations, the part of the abdominal wall just below the right and left costal margins are referred to as the right and left hypochondriac regions respectively. Clinically speaking, symptoms and signs arising from this region are of great importance and have a specific list of diseases in their differential diagnoses.

See also

• Transpyloric plane
• Midclavicular line

Additional images

• 

  Front view of the thoracic and abdominal viscera.

External links

• Anatomy at UMich abdominal_viscera_module/abdominal_01